Long-term Synod Leader Brings Broad Experience to the Role

OCTOBER 4, 2010
Louisville, KY
(The original article is here.)

The Rev. David Crittenden, of Indianapolis, Ind., has been chosen to lead a new stewardship ministry for the General Assembly Mission Council (GAMC).

The GAMC stewardship ministry will focus on inspiring, equipping, and connecting Presbyterians to faithful financial giving as an act of Christian discipleship with a particular focus on leadership development.

Crittenden will work with elected and staff leadership to help the GAMC adapt in the changing climate of religious funding, and to engage and support the whole church in strengthening stewardship.

Crittenden has served on the staff of the Synod of Lincoln Trails for the past sixteen years — the past ten years as co-executive. Among his responsibilities for the synod, Crittenden has manager and executive of the synod’s investment and loan program, supervisor of financial activities and staff, synod representative to denominational mission funding gatherings and national consultations, and consultant to congregations in the area of stewardship and financial discipleship. Prior to his service with the synod, Crittenden served as pastor for fifteen years in Indiana and Illinois, and five years as an associate pastor in Nebraska.

Karen L. Schmidt, deputy executive director for communications and funds development, said, “The GAMC is working hard to strengthen our partnerships with middle governing bodies. One of the top priorities for middle governing body leaders in a recent survey of denominational priorities is stewardship. I can imagine no better person for this role than Dave Crittenden, who is in frequent demand as one of the leading middle governing body experts on the topic.”

“I have received five calls during my 36 years of ordained ministry; four of them specifically emphasized stewardship and financial discipleship,” said Crittenden. “It is this area where my experience and passion meet. I am eagerly looking forward to following Christ’s call, and my passion, in this new work with presbyteries, synods and the General Assembly Mission Council.”

Crittenden will begin service with the GAMC on January 3, 2011.